A former Long Branch officer was hospitalized after he was stabbed multiple times Saturday night outside a bar.
Saturday at approximately 11:42 p.m. SGT Robert Bell was flagged down by the security staff at the Arena Bar on the corner of Brighton and 2nd Avenue for the report of a stabbing.
Upon arrival, police located two victims later identified as Joseph Walker, 47, from West Long Branch (a former Long Branch Police Officer who has not been employed by the agency since 2009) and Rial Valtz Jr, 40, from Long Branch.
Initial reports indicate Walker and Valtz were patrons of the bar when an altercation took place, and they helped security escort the combatants outside. The Long Branch Police Department does not provide security nor do any of the officers work as security for any establishment in the city.
The altercation continued outside and grew to involve the security staff. During the melee, Walker was stabbed four times in the stomach and the face, while Valtz was stabbed once in the back.
The accused, later identified as Michael Carter, 24, of Sea Bright, and Emmanuel Bylander, 26, of Eatontown, fled the scene and were pursued by the security staff.
Bylander was found in the Windmill parking lot and taken into custody. Security staff flagged down Officer Sam Yoo, and with assistance from Officer James Bierne, they located and arrested Michael Carter who was hiding under the staircase leading to the West End beach.
Walker and Valtz were transported to the hospital, and after surgery both are expected to recover.
Carter was charged with attempted homicide, resisting arrest, possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. His bail was set at $362,500 and he is currently residing in the Monmouth County Jail.
Bylander was charged with obstruction of justice and was released on a summons.
The investigation is being led by Detectives David House and Joseph Kennedy from the Detective Bureau, and is ongoing at this point.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Detective Bureau at 732-222-1000.